verb (v)

• hold firmly(verb.contact)

  Synonym:
  grasp
  

  source: wordnet30
• stop and wait, as if awaiting further instructions or developments(verb.change)

  Example:
  Hold on a moment!.
  

  Synonym:
  stop
  

  source: wordnet30
• be persistent, refuse to stop(verb.change)

  Synonym:
  hang in, hang on, persevere, persist
  

  source: wordnet30
• hold the phone line open(verb.communication)

  Synonym:
  hang on, hold the line
  

  source: wordnet30
• retain possession of(verb.possession)

  Synonym:
  keep
  Antonym:
  lose
  

  source: wordnet30